VFL: Magpies in triple-figure win

Sam Gastin
May 17, 2014 5:55PM

Hear from coach Dale Tapping and watch the highlights from Collingwood's 115-point win over Bendigo at Victoria Park on Saturday 17 May.Hear from coach Dale Tapping and watch the highlights from Collingwood's 115-point win over Bendigo at Victoria Park on Saturday 17 May.

Bendigo Gold’s trip down the highway was one they will want to quickly forget after losing to the VFL Magpies by 115 points (21.26 to 5.7) at Victoria Park on Saturday.

On an overcast afternoon at Collingwood’s spiritual home, the Magpies were boosted before the bounce by the return of Alex Fasolo and Ben Sinclair from injury.

The Magpies were in no mood to entertain the thought of a potential Bendigo upset, piling on eight goals in the opening term.

Three of the eight went the way of midfielder Kyle Martin, while Lachlan Ferguson also kicked two of his four goals in the opening term.

Development Coach Steven Grace said post-match that a fast start was crucial against a typically eager Bendigo outfit.

“They (Bendigo) have won three of their last five first quarters. Not to give them a sniff and to knock them out early in that first quarter was very pleasing,” Grace told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“From the first quarter, we kicked seven of the first eight goals and we set the agenda for the day.

“We want to start that way every week.”

While they couldn’t quite replicate their blistering first quarter in the three that followed, Collingwood remained strong and added to its lead in every term.

Patrick Karnezis was the go-to man in the forward line and provided a reliable target, kicking three goals in a best-on-ground performance.

The 22-year-old was one of many players highlighted by Grace for their outstanding performances.

“Pat Karnezis started the game pretty positively. He stood up, considering we didn’t have another tall target down there,” Grace said.

“Nathan Brown’s leadership and solidity in the contest was very important.

“Jonathon Marsh, with his aerial power, was very good, particularly in the second half. It was pleasing to see him position himself more aggressively.

Grace was adamant that a response to the senior team’s loss to Adelaide on Thursday night wasn’t a focus leading into the game.

“It never should have an impact. Your preparation and the way you prepare for a game individually and as a team should cancel out any of that.”

He admitted that some players would have had an eye on a senior berth.

“We’re all human and some people would have seen today as an opportunity.

“Every time they step out and train, every time they step out and play…that’s an opportunity for them to promote themselves.”

While it remains to be seen what the VFL side will look like in a week’s time, there is no doubt the players will take confidence from the 115-point win into their game against Geelong.

Until then, Grace and everyone involved with the VFL side are happy to enjoy the moment following the team’s best result of the season.

“The end result was very pleasing. 100-plus points is pretty special, you can’t deny that.”